What led Laura Okmin to leave Fox after 23 years? The voice NFL fans knew for decades now says goodbye to the sidelines

Time of India

9 hours ago

Laura Okmin exits Fox Sports after 23 years (Fox Sports/X)
After more than two decades of standing on NFL sidelines and telling the game's stories with grace, Laura Okmin has decided to take her final bow at FOX Sports. A seasoned voice in sports broadcasting, Okmin leaves behind a remarkable legacy after 23 impactful years with the network—making her the third-longest-tenured sideline reporter in NFL history.
Laura Okmin bids farewell to FOX Sports after 23 years
Laura Okmin's journey at FOX began in 2002, but her career had already been shaped by prior roles with CNN, TNT Sports, and SportsChannel in Chicago. Over the years, Okmin built a résumé that most sports journalists only dream of, having covered more than 20 Super Bowls, the Olympics, NBA Finals, World Series, and Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, what set her apart was not just the sheer volume of her experience—but the heart with which she reported each story.
In a heartfelt conversation with Front Office Sports, Okmin revealed that her departure wasn't a forced decision but rather an intentional one, guided by inner clarity. 'They sent me the contract. I printed it out. I sat there. It was just my voice saying, 'It's time; this is it,'' she shared. The moment she broke the news to FOX executive Jacob Ullman—who is also a longtime friend—was emotional. 'I'm happy to say he was very surprised.
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I would have been very disappointed if there was any other reaction. It was a really nice call, because I got to have it with my boss and my friend.'
While she's walking away from FOX, she's far from done. Okmin will continue to lend her voice to NFL playoff games and the Super Bowl through Westwood One Radio. But what truly excites her now is the opportunity to grow her passion project—GALvanize, a platform she founded to uplift and mentor young women aspiring to break into the sports industry.
GALvanize isn't just a training program—it's a movement that stems from Okmin's own experiences in a male-dominated industry. Her mission is simple yet profound: to provide young women with something she never had—a support system. Through workshops, seminars, and boot camps, GALvanize aims to equip participants with confidence, storytelling skills, and above all, empowerment. 'Training and mentoring young women entering the sports world on – and more importantly – OFF camera,' is how her website captures the essence of the program.
Reflecting on her long career, Okmin was candid about the challenges of constantly proving her worth. 'Honestly, it's a tough job having to justify your job for 20 years... There's a wonderfulness that comes with it. But also a lot of other ----.' That honesty is what endeared her to so many fans and colleagues.
As FOX Sports sees a reshuffle in its sideline lineup—with Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson also expected to exit—Okmin's absence will certainly be felt. But in stepping away from the camera, she's stepping into a purpose that may impact the next generation even more profoundly.
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